Computer chip maker Intel has opened a €1.6bn extension to its Leixlip plant in Co Kildare.
A proposal to give €170m of grant aid to the plant from the Government never proceeded because the European Commission said it wanted to carry out an 18-month review of the financial support.
At issue was whether the money would be used for innovation or not. Intel decided to go ahead without the Government support.
At the opening of the plant today, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said it was important such developments were not lost to Europe.
Chief Executive of IDA Ireland Sean Dorgan pointed out that recent Intel investments went to Arizona and Israel.
The Government has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Intel to boost computer and Internet penetration in Ireland.
That would manifest itself in low cost computers and printers which would be targeted at marginalised or elderly groups.
